5 Useful Tips for an Easy Recovery after a LASIK Surgery

LASIK has emerged in the world of ophthalmology as a great ray of hope that provides clearer vision to the right candidate extremely safely thereby improving quality of life. Patients however are commonly concerned with questions like whether it hurts and how long it takes to recover. If you are planning to undergo LASIK surgery, here are a few tips that will help you.

1. Mild Pain

It’s normal to have at least some extent of tearing, light sensitivity and burning after LASIK surgery during the recovery period. This may range from hardly noticeable to pretty troublesome, based on the kind of technology used and the ability of your eyes to respond. For example, the state-of-the-art technology named iLASIK, used by the Lasik San Antonio clinic, is the only approved safe technology for the US astronauts and military fighter pilots. Such a technology is expected to result in minimal to no discomfort. Even if you notice it with any other technology used, it should last only up to 2 to 4 hours. After the procedure, it’s very important to be driven home so that you can have a long nap. In most cases, patients wake up without much pain. However, you can expect to feel like you’ve got something in your eyes. At this point, it’s very important to remember not to rub eyes since rubbing could displace your corneal flap.

2. Redness

Another problem during the recovery period some patients may experience is redness. You need not be afraid if you see dark red spots on the whites of your eyes for many days because it’s totally normal. These spots will totally disappear in a few weeks.

3. Don’t Skip Your Prescription Eye Drops and Artificial Tears

Another common post-op symptom is dryness of eyes, which around 50% of LASIK surgery patients experience. This too lasts only for a few days. To minimize the problem, your LASIK surgeon will prescribe you artificial tears for dryness and maybe eye drops for preventing infection and inflammation. You should use them exactly as per your surgeon’s directions.

4. Follow Up

You will have your first post-op appointment with your LASIK specialist just the next day of your surgery. During this appointment, your surgeon will check your vision and ensure your corneas are healing appropriately. You can also discuss with your surgeon about any post-op symptoms you are experiencing. Your surgeon will schedule periodic checkups during your recovery period, often at the interval of one month, three months and six months.

5. Things You Should Avoid

During the first week after the procedure, you should avoid smoke, dust, eye makeup and garden/yard work. Also you should avoid water and soap, but only near eyes. During the first two weeks, you should avoid swimming, hot tub or submersing your head in water.

All these tips will minimize your discomfort and you can easily pass the recovery period ultimately ending up in getting the best vision of your life.